LONDON, (Reuters) – Britain may order more French ships to board in retaliation against France’s detention of a British scallop trawler fishing in French waters. This was a British minister stating as a post Brexit fishing dispute escalated.

Britain’s foreign Minister summoned France’s Ambassador to London for explanations of Paris’s actions Friday.

British Environment Secretary George Eustice stated that it was always possible for him to increase enforcement on French ships, and to board more of them when they do damage to our vessels.

We can also require vessels to do other administrative tasks. This is not an area we wish to be involved in.”

After its crew failed prove that it could fish in French territorial waters as per French regulations, the Cornelis Gert January, a scallop-dredger was taken to Le Havre.

Eustice indicated that London is focusing its efforts on resolving the matter with the European Commission, and France’s Ambassador to London.

Eustice stated that “we obviously reserve the right to be able respond in a proportionate manner,”

France has listed sanctions that could be imposed on Britain for failure to reach agreement in talks. These include additional customs controls on British products starting Nov. 2. This was interpreted in London to mean that Britain would have to stop exporting electricity if negotiations fail.

France 2 TV spoke to Julien Denormandie on Friday, the French Agriculture Minister. He stated that talks had not progressed between France 2 TV and Britain about post-Brexit fishing licenses. France also suggested sanctions be considered against the UK.